Master, I would like to spar with you.

Early the next morning, Xiao Ruobai walked slowly out of the back mountain. His plain robes were already soaked through with the blood of demonic beasts, coagulating into dark red crusts.

His hair clung messily to his forehead, yet his brow revealed an unprecedented sharpness, like an unsheathed sword radiating brilliance.

A thick stench of blood emanated from him, the mark of slaughtering demonic beasts continuously for three days and three nights.

His gaze was far steadier than before. Every movement carried an aura of absolute decisiveness, as if he had been completely reborn.

Gu Changge stood in front of the bamboo cabin, his gaze landing on Xiao Ruobai with a flash of satisfaction.

He sighed in admiration inwardly, Truly worthy of an Emperor-grade aptitude. To go from having no cultivation to the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm in less than a month... and that is even with me intentionally suppressing his progress.

However, he also knew that Xiao Ruobai's rapid progress was inextricably linked to the abundant resources of the Purple Bamboo Peak, in addition to his God of War Physique.

Xiao Ruobai turned his head and found his master leaning against a bamboo stalk, eating a stick of candied hawthorn with great relish.

Master!

Xiao Ruobai ran over excitedly.

I broke through! I can now single-handedly fight a mid-stage Purple Mansion Realm demonic beast!

Gu Changge shot him a glance and said in disgust, Do not come too close. You smell like demonic beast drool.

Xiao Ruobai: ...

Go wash up first, change your clothes, and then come back.

Gu Changge waved his hand.

Xiao Ruobai scratched his head, chuckled, and turned to sprint toward the mountain stream.

The icy spring water washed away the blood and grime, allowing his tense nerves to gradually relax.

He looked down at his hands. Thick calluses had formed on his palms from gripping his saber for so long, and a few small scars lingered on his knuckles.

He recalled that when he first joined the sect, his master had secretly told him that his own cultivation had just touched the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm.

Now, he had actually reached this realm so quickly, and even showed faint signs of breaking through to the late stage.

Is my cultivation level the same as Master's now?

This thought suddenly popped into Xiao Ruobai's mind.

After all, his master usually did nothing but snack on melon seeds and drink tea. He had never even seen him cultivate.

He was probably still stuck at the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm.

With such a great cultivation environment on Purple Bamboo Peak, his master did not even know how to cherish it and cultivate properly.

At this moment, Xiao Ruobai inexplicably felt a sense of frustration, like wishing iron could turn into steel.

He could not resist stealthily sending out a wisp of divine sense toward Gu Changge, wanting to probe his master's true cultivation.

Gu Changge was sitting in a bamboo chair, resting with his eyes closed. Sensing that faint fluctuation of divine sense, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

Good kid, you actually dare to probe your master's cultivation? You are still too green.

Xiao Ruobai's divine sense circled around Gu Changge, but only sensed the spiritual energy fluctuations of the early stage of the Core Condensation Realm. He could not help but feel puzzled.

It seems Master has cultivated the You Can Not See Through Me technique to a profound level. I must also practice it more in the future so others can not easily see through my strength.

Thinking of this, he felt a little smug.

Now that I have reached the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm and can even slay Purple Mansion Realm demonic beasts, has my strength already surpassed Master's?

At this thought, Xiao Ruobai's ego instantly inflated.

Hehe, maybe I really am stronger than Master now?

He rubbed his hands together, already starting to fantasize about his master's shocked face after being defeated by him.

Once I defeat Master, I will have a reason to urge him to cultivate, hehehe...

However, everything I have was given to me by Master. Even if his cultivation never increases, I will protect him well.

Master, from now on, it is my turn to protect you!

After washing up, Xiao Ruobai changed into clean robes and walked energetically to Gu Changge, bowing respectfully.

Master, your disciple has finished washing.

Gu Changge opened his eyes and looked at him with a half-smile. Done probing?

Xiao Ruobai froze, then lowered his head awkwardly. Master, your disciple knows his mistake.

Gu Changge waved his hand, not taking issue with it, and simply said mildly, It is a good thing that your cultivation has advanced, but remember not to become arrogant and complacent.

Xiao Ruobai nodded. After a moment of hesitation, a flash of battle intent appeared in his eyes.

Master, this disciple wishes to spar with you.

Gu Changge raised an eyebrow. Oh? You want to test your master's strength?

Xiao Ruobai chuckled. I would not dare. I just want to see the gap between myself and Master.

Gu Changge gave a light laugh and stood up. Alright, then I will play with you for a bit.

The two walked to a clearing in the bamboo forest. Xiao Ruobai took a deep breath, and the aura of the mid-stage Core Condensation Realm instantly erupted. Battle qi swirled around him, making him look like a descending God of War.

He stomped the ground, his body moving like lightning. In an instant, he rushed at Gu Changge, his fierce fists aiming straight for his master's chest.

However, Gu Changge merely turned his body slightly, easily dodging the punch.

Unwilling to give up, Xiao Ruobai unleashed a barrage of moves. Fist shadows rained down, yet he could not even touch the sleeve of Gu Changge's robe.

Gu Changge maintained a cultivation level of only the mid-stage Core Condensation Realm the entire time, but his footwork was incredibly profound, as if he had pre-empted Xiao Ruobai's every move.

An incense stick's worth of time later...

Master, please stop hitting me, stop hitting me, this disciple knows his mistake.

A bruised and swollen Xiao Ruobai begged for mercy with slurred speech.

Gu Changge tapped the ground lightly with his toes, withdrew his suspended palm, and leisurely straightened his cuffs.

You know your mistake? Who was it just now that said they wanted to see the gap?

Xiao Ruobai covered his cheek, which was swollen like a steamed bun, and mumbled indistinctly.

This disciple originally thought...

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by his own gasp of pain. Master was truly ruthless; he hit exactly where it hurt the most.

Master, you are clearly also at the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm, so why could I not even touch the corner of your clothes?

Gu Changge stood with his hands behind his back and said mildly, Cultivation is merely the foundation. True strength lies in the control of power and the grasp of battle opportunities. Although you have progressed at a godly speed, your combat experience is still shallow. You need more tempering.

Xiao Ruobai lowered his head in complete submission. This disciple understands.

Gu Changge nodded, his tone softening a bit. However, for you to reach the mid-stage of the Core Condensation Realm in such a short time is already far beyond ordinary people.

Next, I will teach you a martial skill suited for the God of War Physique, called the Nine Stances of Battle Heaven. Practice it well.

Xiao Ruobai's eyes lit up, and he quickly cupped his hands. Thank you, Master!

Gu Changge raised a finger and tapped. A golden light sank into Xiao Ruobai's glabella, and the cultivation method for the Nine Stances of Battle Heaven was instantly branded into his sea of consciousness.

Xiao Ruobai closed his eyes and comprehended it for a moment. When he opened them again, his battle intent burned even brighter. Master, this disciple will definitely not disappoint you!

Gu Changge smiled in satisfaction and turned to walk toward the bamboo cabin, leaving only a single sentence drifting in the wind.

Your master looks forward to your next challenge...

Xiao Ruobai suddenly felt his teeth ache even more.